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Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Ultimate Direction: AK Mountain Vest 3.0 (Signature Series) Review

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an Ultra “tough”
marathoner, we are bonded with this one common denominator…our passion to run. It is also that passion that drives us to advance
and create much better gears. Ultimate Directionis
no stranger to the world of sports endurance. Besides lab testing, their gears are tested by real
athletes. One of the benefits of doing this is that UD gets the direct feedback
from their athletes after testing and implement those changes immediately. This
is what I like most with UD, their gears are bi-products of actual sweat and
careful scrutiny of their tough athletes.

Speaking of tough athletes, if there’s anyone who knows what
it takes to survive the brutal runs on the high countries, it’s Anton Krupicka
(AK). UD collaborated with Anton to develop this one of a kind gear…hence they
named the vest right after him, the AK Mountain Vest 3.0signature
series. To make it even more special, it
comes in a new Canyon color that is very pleasing to the eyes.

Note:As mentioned on their website that this vest fits
differently from the previous version, please check the sizing chart here.
You should measure around the bottom ribs for best fit.

Functionality

TheAK Mountain Vest 3.0is not just a vest to carry your hydration but rather
a pack where you can store most of your essentials and gears. You don’t have to
be in the “running” mode to appreciate this vest, you can use this
while hiking, trekking or anything in between and rest assured that you will
have all the storage you need while being versatile, compact and still be fast
on your feet.

There are so many features on this vest, so let’s start out
at the front and move around it. Starting off with the
straps: On the left shoulder strap: is a small decent
pocket that is secured by flap with Velcro, this pocket is waterproof. So if you are fond of listening to music then this is the best place to keep your small electronics safe and dry. On top of that is a (safety) whistle which I think is a mandatory requirement these days.

You can also find the same pocket on the opposite strap and
the only difference is that it doesn’t have a flap that goes over the top. You can easily throw some of your valuables in there (like cash or car key). I tend to have the habit of checking my keys while running, making sure it’s still there and it is just within my reach.

Just below that is a deep set of pockets designed to hold the
two (2) collapsible 500 ml flask (included). It’s deep enough where I can
almost push the entire flask down and secure it with the bungee cord. Similar
pocket can be found on the opposite strap. You could also use this pocket to
hold your phone but I suggest that you put it in a zip bag since this is not
water proof, sweat and moisture can easily penetrate this area. I have a Google
Pixel XL and it fits perfectly inside this pocket. Just underneath that bottle holder is a catch pocket (where UD logo is) that you can use to store your trash or other small items like gels and bars.

Right below that is another deep pocket that is stretchable
enough where I can store my gloves, collapsible hat and electrolyte tabs. This
pocket is also available on the right side and the only difference is that it
is secured by a zipper. The zippered pocket is where I store my gels and
gummies for easy access.

There are two sternum straps that are fully adjustable and
can be slide up or down on an 11-inch rail for better fit and snug.

There are two loops on both sides of the strap that can host
the trekking poles. So rather than having those poles sticking out from your
back, it’s in the front for easy access which is a great feature.

Moving around the love handle areas are two large zippered
pockets where you can find the hidden side strap (cinch) that you can micro adjust according to your circumference. I use this to store my energy bars and
anything that has a flat surface. I like the idea that UD put on this pocket,
they made sure that even when you put bulky items in it, this will not
interfere with your arm swing.

Going to the back side, it has total of Five (5) separate compartments. The first compartment is the
giant mesh pocket (where the Ultimate Direction word is). You can use this to store
wet clothing like light jacket, arm warmer and beanie.

The next two compartments are just behind the giant mesh pocket (as you can see on the picture below), both has the same capacity. These two compartments are
waterproof. The very top compartment has a key clip inside where you
can keep your car key so they won’t be flying around when you start digging through
your stuff. This is also a good place to keep your phone (and other
electronics) protected from getting wet (I tend to keep mine in front though
with a zip bag).

The last two big compartments are the one closest to the
skin. It has two directional zippers (that you can open from either on top or
bottom) and is separated by a mesh. This is big enough where you can store extra
clothing, map, harness, crampons, rappel ropes, and more fuels. If the included 500 ml flask is not enough, this
can also hold a 70 ounces (2L) of bladder for extra hydration (unfortunately
this is not included but you can buy it separately). The bladder hose can be
sent on either left or right section to the front of the pack.

Common to all UD vests is the bungee cord, you can easily
use this to hold a rain jacket or some clothing that might be bulky to go
inside the compartments. There are extra hooks on both sides if you want
the bungee to get a little bit tighter. Down at the very bottom are two loops that you can use to
hold the ice axe or hook for your climbing gears.

@ Hidden Falls Regional Park

The test run: I’ve been incorporating quite a few trail runs
to my regular road runs in preparation for my first Ultra marathon (Salmon 50k)
this coming Saturday. I’ve tested quite a few hydration systems during the
course of my trainings and each item has their own pros and cons, but overall,
all of it are good and high quality products. I was undecided which one to use ‘till
I tested the AK Mountain Vest 3.0. I have to be honest that this one tops
all the hydration systems I have tested. The shape of the vest comfortably curves
and hugs the circumference of my body. It also provides a quick access for
adjustability depending on how much load you have in the vest.

One major issue with some vests is the type of materials
they used, it tends to irritate skin and possible chafing could arise. Well not
with the AK, the Knit mono-mesh fabric doesn’t rub to the skin and it provides
better breathability,

The Darlington power mesh provides excellent stretch in all
directions that is super durable and flexible at the same time. It also
provides an excellent moisture management that wick moisture out fast.

The waterproofness of the selected compartments is one thing
that everyone will surely appreciate. I put a napkin inside one of those compartments
for wet test and sure enough…it is waterproof!

My Verdict

If you love the outdoor so much and spend most of your free
time wondering around the trails or some unfamiliar grounds then the AK Mountain Vest 3.0 is the right gear for you. It’s an all-around multipurpose
vest that allows a tremendous amount of storage space. You don’t have to be a
runner or an Ultra Marathoner to appreciate this vest. From cycling, hiking,
skiing, trekking and other activities you can think of, rest assured that it will
provide abundant storage for your gears and other important stuff. No more reasons
to leave those behind.

At a price of $154.95, it may not be the cheapest considering
that it doesn’t have a 70 oz bladder but one thing for sure is that it is one
of the best hydration systems you could own. I highly recommend that you give
the AK Mountain Vest 3.0 a try and guaranteed that you won’t be disappointed. Below is a short clip courtesy of UD featuring the man behind this awesome vest.

Here are some of the Ultimate Direction gears that I have
reviewed in the past. Enjoy!

About Finish Line Fever

Finish Line Fever is created and authored by Ferdinand Batatan. I'm just a regular guy like most of you who enjoys being active. Born and raised in the Philippines and migrated to the United States after finishing my college. I served in the U.S. Air Force and more importantly, I am a husband and father of two beautiful kids.